4.2.11 - Hazards of Contamination & Irradiation

How is irradiation ?

It can cause harm

How is contamination ?

It can cause more harm due to the continuous exposure to radiation that it will produce

When is contamination dangerous ?

If a radioactive source gets into the human body

Irradiation v.s Contamination

Irradiation

• Object is exposed to radiation but does not become radioactive

• Danger is from radiation emitted outside the object

• Prevented by using shielding

• Caused by the presence of radioactive sources outside the body

Contamination

• Object becomes radioactive and emits radiation

• Danger from radiation emitted within the object

• Prevented by safe handling of sources and airtight safety clothing

• Caused by inhalation or ingestion of radioactive sources

What can radiation do ?

It can mutate DNA in cells and cause canser

What is used to absorb radiation ?

Shielding

• Lead lined suits are used to reduce irradiation for people working with radioactive materials

• The lead absorbs most of the radiation that would otherwise hit the person

What is used to prevent contamination ?

An airtight suit is used by people working in an area where there may have been a radiation leak

This prevents radioactive atoms from getting inside the person